Easy Disneyland Copycat Beignets Recipe- Mickey Mouse Shaped!

Nothing says “Disneyland” like the beignets found in New Orleans Square! Beignets are essential when visiting Disneyland. Did you really even visit if you don’t eat a beignet while you’re there? These fluffy, sugary treats are something I crave. Now, you make Disneyland Copycat Beignets right at home! This recipe comes straight from Disneyland, so it’s the real deal! 

The thought of being able to recreate the magical Disney experience at home is undeniably exciting. While nothing can truly replicate the enchantment of being inside the Disney parks, bringing a taste of the Disney magic into your own kitchen is a delightful way to relive cherished memories or create new ones with family and friends.

I’ve got lots of Disney-inspired recipes to help you get your Disney fix! You’ll need a Mickey shaped cookie cutter to make them like the Disney parks. You can find great ones here! If you don’t have a Mickey shaped cookie cutter, no worries! You can make your Disneyland copycat beignets into circles or squares. They’ll still be great! 

Mickey Mouse Beignets

Not only these Mickey Mouse beignets delicious, but they are also so simple to make! So, gather your ingredients, put on some Disney tunes, and let the enchantment unfold in your kitchen as you make these easy Disneyland copycat Mickey Mouse beignets. Let’s get cooking! 

 List of ingredients needed for the beignets

To create your own batch of Disneyland-inspired Mickey Mouse beignets, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water (105°)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 egg
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Powdered sugar

Possible substitutions or variations

While the traditional recipe calls for the above ingredients, you can make a few substitutions or variations to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few ideas to consider:

1. Flour alternatives: If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flour or a combination of gluten-free flour. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may differ slightly from the original recipe.
2. Sweeteners: Feel free to replace granulated sugar with alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar, brown sugar, or a sugar substitute suitable for baking. Remember that different sweeteners might alter the taste and texture of the beignets.
3. Dairy-free options: If you follow a dairy-free diet, you can use plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk) instead of regular milk. Additionally, you can substitute melted vegan butter or neutral oil for the melted butter.
4. Flavor variations: While the classic beignets are delicious on their own, you can experiment with different flavors by adding spices like cinnamon or cardamom to the dough. For a refreshing twist, you could also incorporate citrus zest or extracts, such as lemon or orange.

Remember to keep track of any substitutions or variations you make to the original recipe, as they may affect the texture and taste of the final product. Have fun exploring different options and adapting the recipe to your preferences, and let your creativity shine as you embark on making your own unique Mickey Mouse beignets!

 Step-by-step instructions for making the dough for Disneyland Copycat Beignets

1. In a small bowl, sprinkle yeast on top of the warm water. Stir to dissolve. The water should be fairly warm but not hot. You are on the right track if it feels like a temperature you’d want to wash your face in. You can also sprinkle a little sugar in the water if you like. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes until the yeast is foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine sugar, shortening, salt, heavy cream egg, flour, and boiling water in a large mixing bowl. Mix on medium speed until combined. I use my kitchen aid to make quick work of it. When it’s combined, stir in the yeast mixture. Mix the dough with the dough hook attachment of an electric mixer until it’s combined and smooth. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes at room temperature, covered with a dish towel.
3. Roll the dough 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured surface and cut individual beignets with a Mickey cookie cutter. Or, you can cut them into circles or squares. Cover them with a dish towel or plastic wrap and let them rise again in a warm area until they’ve doubled in size, about 1-1 1/2 hours. During this resting time, the yeast in the dough will activate, causing the dough to rise and develop flavor. The dough should double in size.
4. Carefully heat 3 inches of vegetable oil to 350 degrees F in a heavy pot over medium heat. Fry the beignets until golden brown, about 2 minutes total. Flip them over halfway through cooking. Remove with tongs and let them drain on paper towels.
5. Now for the fun part! Add powdered sugar to a paper bag with a few beignets. Close the bag and give them a good shake, just like they do at Disneyland! Or sprinkle them with a bit of powdered sugar. We also love to cover them in butter and jam. Dipping them in chocolate sauce would also be an excellent idea!

Tips for achieving the perfect consistency

1. Be mindful of the dough’s moisture: The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but still manageable. If the dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon of water until it reaches the right consistency. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a small amount of flour while kneading.
2. Avoid overmixing: Mix the dough until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can produce tough beignets instead of the desired light and airy texture.
3. Adjust flour as needed: The amount of flour required may vary depending on factors such as humidity and altitude. If the dough feels too sticky even after kneading, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it becomes more manageable.

 Temperature and frying time guidelines

To achieve perfectly fried Mickey Mouse beignets, it’s essential to maintain the right temperature and frying time. Here are some guidelines to follow:

1. Heat the oil: Preheat the oil to approximately 350°F (175°C). Use a candy or deep-frying thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.
2. Fry in batches: Carefully place a few beignets at a time into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy beignets.
3. Fry until golden brown: Fry the beignets for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn a beautiful golden brown color. Flip them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.
4. Drain excess oil: Once the beignets are fried to perfection, use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack. This helps remove any excess oil and keeps them light and airy.

Common issues and how to overcome them

Even with the best recipes, it’s not uncommon to encounter a few hiccups along the way. Here are some common issues you may face while making Mickey Mouse beignets and tips on how to overcome them:

1. Dough too sticky: If your dough feels excessively sticky, add a little flour, one tablespoon at a time, while kneading until it becomes more manageable. Be careful not to add too much flour, which can make the beignets dense.
2. Dough too dry: On the other hand, if your dough feels dry and crumbly, gradually add a small amount of water or milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Be cautious not to add too much liquid, which can make the beignets heavy.
3. Beignets not rising: If your beignets don’t rise during the resting time, double-check that your yeast is fresh and active. Ensure the dough is placed in a warm, draft-free area, as a cooler environment can slow down the rising process. You can also extend the resting time by 15-30 minutes to give the yeast more opportunity to work.
4. Uneven frying: Adjust the oil temperature if your beignets turn out unevenly fried. If they brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly. If they’re pale and oily, increase the heat a little. Monitor the oil temperature closely throughout the frying process.

Additional tips for success

To ensure your Mickey Mouse beignets turn out perfectly every time, consider these additional tips:

1. Use a candy or deep-frying thermometer: A thermometer will help you maintain the oil temperature accurately, resulting in evenly fried beignets.
2. Work with manageable batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the beignets. Fry them in small batches, allowing enough space for them to float freely and cook evenly.
3. Maintain consistent size: Roll out the dough to a uniform thickness and use the same-sized cookie cutter for each beignet. This will ensure consistent cooking time and a pleasing appearance.

Storage and reheating instructions

If you have any leftover Disneyland Copycat beignets (although they’re so delicious, that might be a rare occurrence), here’s how you can store and reheat them:

1. Storage: Allow the Mickey Mouse beignets to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.
2. Reheating: To restore the warm, freshly fried texture, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Mickey Mouse beignets on a baking sheet and heat them for 5-7 minutes until they are warm and slightly crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds, but this may result in a softer texture.

Remember, freshly made beignets are always the best, so try to enjoy them as soon as possible after frying for the ultimate taste and texture experience.

 Creative serving suggestions

Now that your Mickey Mouse beignets are beautifully coated, it’s time to get creative with how you serve them. Here are some fun and magical serving suggestions to make your beignets extra special:

1. Disney-inspired plating: Arrange the beignets on a platter in the shape of Mickey Mouse’s head or ears. Add edible decorations like candy Mickey Mouse ears or edible glitter for a charming touch.
2. Mickey Mouse Sundae: Create a Mickey Mouse sundae by layering a scoop of ice cream (vanilla or your favorite flavor) between two warm beignets. Top it off with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and a cherry.
3. Beignet skewers: Thread the beignets onto skewers, alternating with fresh fruit like strawberries and pineapple chunks. Serve them as a fun and easy-to-eat party treat.
4. Beignet sandwiches: Slice them in half and fill them with your favorite fillings like Nutella, peanut butter, or fruit preserves. Enjoy them as handheld beignet sandwiches.

 Delicious Dipping Sauces

While the beignets are delicious on their own, you can enhance their flavor further with some accompanying dips or toppings. Consider these options to add a burst of additional flavor:

1. Chocolate ganache: Dip the warm beignets into a luscious chocolate ganache for a decadent treat. Melt chocolate chips with a bit of heavy cream until smooth and glossy.
2. Fruit coulis: Prepare a quick and tangy fruit coulis by blending fresh berries or tropical fruits with a touch of sugar. Drizzle it over the beignets for a fruity twist.
3. Caramel sauce: Indulge in the richness of caramel sauce by drizzling it generously over the beignets. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for a delightful sweet-salty combination.
4. Flavored whipped cream: Whip up some flavored whipped cream using extracts like vanilla, almond, or coconut. Serve it alongside the beignets for dipping or dolloping.

These accompaniments and dips will take your Mickey Mouse beignets to the next level, adding depth and variety to the flavors. Feel free to get creative and try different combinations to suit your taste buds. Remember to have fun and savor every magical bite!

Recreating the Disney experience at home is a wonderful way to infuse your day with a sprinkle of magic and create special memories. I hope you enjoy this Mickey Mouse beignet recipe as much as I do! I love an easy recipe; if it makes a delicious treat, it’s even better! 

Next time you’re at Disneyland, stop by the Mint Julep Bar and grab some Mickey Beignets! But don’t be surprised if your made-at-home version is even better than the ones you can buy in the parks! 

I would love to hear about your experience recreating the Disneyland copycat Mickey Mouse beignets! Did you enjoy the process? Did they transport you back to the magical world of Disney? Please share your thoughts, photos, and any creative variations you tried.

You can leave a comment below or connect with me on social media. Your feedback and experiences inspire us and create a community of Disney enthusiasts who can come together and share the joy of recreating the Disney magic in your own home.

So, gather your loved ones, put on your Mickey Mouse ears, let the aroma of freshly fried beignets fill your home, and indulge in the taste of Disney enchantment. Happy baking, and may your homemade Mickey Mouse beignets bring a sprinkle of magic to your day!

Make sure to check out my podcast for lots of Disney planning information! You can find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Just search for “Mix In Some Magic” Follow me on Instagram for lots of Disney tips and fun!